A long day for the umpires

The Marlins and Cubs had to finish Saturday’s game with only three umpires, because home plate umpire Gerry Davis had to leave the game after being hit with a pitch that got away from Marlins catcher John Baker in the bottom of the second inning.

The field was cleared with one out and Cubs at second and third. The game was held up for about 14 minutes, and then resumed with second base ump Bruce Dreckman moving behind the plate.

The umpires became part of the story in the ninth when first base umpire Rob Drake ejected Cubs first base coach Lester Strode and Cubs manager Lou Piniella, and both are going to face some stiff fines for bumping into Drake.

The Cubs were furious over a one-out call at first. Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez made a brilliant play, going deep in the hole and making the long throw to get Mark Derosa, who slid head-first. When the dust cleared Drake called DeRosa out, and Strode ripped into the ump. It didn't take Piniella long to storm out of the dugout and lash into all three umpires who stood lined up at first base as Piniella tore into them to the delight of Cubs fans, who roared their approval.

Fans in the bleachers threw trash on the field, and the game was held up as a cleaning crew of more than a dozen raced onto the field to pick up the debris.

After the long delay, Renyel Pinto shut the Cubs fans up by striking out Geovany Soto to send the game into extra innings.